ASEAN Energy Regulatory Forum

Regional power integration is a key lever for ASEAN’s energy transition and achieving the region’s ambitious decarbonisation goals. The ASEAN energy landscape consists of a spectrum of technical standards, regulatory frameworks and market structures. To facilitate effective and efficient development of cross-border power interconnections, regulators, utilities, and industry are working to align on common frameworks that govern third-party access, pricing, and emissions accounting.

This session will explore how regulatory authorities and industry stakeholders are addressing technical, regulatory, and policy challenges, and the coordination mechanisms required to enable a reliable, efficient, and equitable regional power grid.

Discussion Topics:

• Bridging gaps between diverse nations in Southeast Asia
• Which regulatory frameworks must converge to enable multilateral electricity trading?
• How can regional emissions accounting be standardised to support renewable energy imports?
• What tools or mechanisms could facilitate trust and verification between national systems?
• Can ASEAN regulators jointly define minimum standards for open access and system reliability?

Panellists:

• Judy Chang, Commissioner, US Federal Energy Regulatory Commission (US FERC) (Confirmed)

• Puan Siti Safinah binti Salleh, Chief Executive Officer, Energy Commission (Malaysia) (Invited)

• Jesse Hermogenes T. Andres, Chief Executive Officer, Energy Regulatory Commission (Philippines) (Invited)

• Dr Eng. Poonpat Leesombatpiboon, Secretary-General, Energy Regulatory Commission (Thailand) (Invited)

• Pham Nguyen Hung, Director General, Electricity Authority of Vietnam (Invited)

• Dr Akihiko Yokoyama, Chairman, Electricity and Gas Market Surveillance Commission (Japan) (Invited)

Across Southeast Asia, the growing demand for clean and reliable electricity is accelerating the development of cross-border interconnectors. From subsea cables to high-voltage transmission systems (HVDC), these assets are key to enhancing system flexibility, optimising generation portfolios, and enabling large-scale renewable energy integration across borders. Yet despite technological feasibility, progress is often slowed by permitting delays, financing risks, and regulatory misalignment.

This session will convene regulators, industry leaders, and financial experts to explore the regulatory frameworks, coordination models, and financing mechanisms required to deliver bankable, cross-border interconnector projects.

Discussion Topics:

• What regulatory frameworks can unlock long-term capital for cross-border interconnectors?
• How can joint licensing and coordinated regulatory processes reduce complexity and approval delays?
• What role do risk-sharing arrangements and financing structures play in accelerating interconnector delivery?
• How can regulators balance investor certainty with national policy needs?

Panellists:

• Justin Oliver, Deputy Chair, Australian Energy Regulator (Confirmed)

• Mark McAllister, Chairman, Office of Gas and Electricity Markets (OFGEM) (Invited)

• Ir. Zainudin Bin Md Yusof, Chief Executive Officer, Single Buyer (Invited)

• Shri Jishnu Barua, Chairperson, Central Electricity Regulatory Commission, India (Invited)

• Thepparat Theppitak, Governor, Electricity Generating Authority of Thailand (Invited)

• Poon Kwok Ying, Raymond, Director, Electrical and Mechanical Services Department, Hong Kong SAR (Invited)